Locally hand-crafted pottery is a perennial favorite at the Soups On! Gala, where attendees each take home a bowl of their own, and can opt to purchase additional bowls to benefit Neighbors in Need.
Executive Director Lisa Smith and Board of Directors President Claire Ross welcome attendees to the 2024 Soups On! Gala, supporting Neighbors in Need of Lawrence.
Matt and Danielle Noyes served as Masters of Ceremony for the 2024 Soups On! Gala.
Neighbors in Need Executive Director Lisa Smith, Board of Directors Secretary Rob Thomas, Matt Noyes and Danielle Noyes
Neighbors in Need’s pantries serve 1,600 families weekly with nutritious food
Over 205,000 diapers and thousands of bottles of formula are distributed annually to families in need.
Neighbors in Need Executive Director Lisa Smith, Board of Directors Secretary Rob Thomas, Matt Noyes and Danielle Noyes
Executive Director Lisa Smith and Board of Directors President Claire Ross welcome attendees to the 2024 Soups On! Gala, supporting Neighbors in Need of Lawrence.
Locally hand-crafted pottery is a perennial favorite at the Soups On! Gala, where attendees each take home a bowl of their own, and can opt to purchase additional bowls to benefit Neighbors in Need.
Matt and Danielle Noyes served as Masters of Ceremony for the 2024 Soups On! Gala.
Over 205,000 diapers and thousands of bottles of formula are distributed annually to families in need.
Earlier this month, the warmth of community filled the Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA, as guests gathered for “Soup’s On! 2024” — an inspiring evening hosted by Neighbors in Need to raise critical funds to support food-insecure families in Greater Lawrence. This annual event, now a cherished tradition, was brought to life with the dedication and charisma of Matt and Danielle Noyes, who served as Masters of Ceremonies, guiding the audience through an evening of connection, giving, and impact.
About Neighbors in Need: Neighbors in Need has been at the heart of food and basic necessities distribution in Greater Lawrence since 1983. From operating ten food pantry sites to offering a mobile market and a robust diaper pantry, Neighbors in Need serves over 5,000 families annually. These services are essential for families facing economic hardship, especially in Lawrence, where access to nutritious food and health resources is critical. The organization’s mission — providing food and support with dignity and respect — is made possible through a network of committed volunteers and donors who help combat hunger and health disparities in the community.
An Evening of Generosity and Record-Breaking Support: The impact of the evening was felt immediately, as the Neighbors in Need team, community members, and supporters came together to raise a record-breaking $129,000. Funds raised will directly support Neighbors in Need’s food pantries, mobile markets, diaper banks, and community programs that reach thousands of families. The Noyes’ leadership from the stage was engaging, thoughtful, and energized the crowd, inspiring bidding wars for unique auction items like exclusive sports tickets, gourmet dinners, and even a serene weekend cabin stay. Each item reflected the spirit of community and gave attendees the chance to make a tangible difference in local families’ lives.
Highlights of the Evening: Throughout the night, Matt and Danielle highlighted the growing needs of Lawrence families, particularly those with young children and elderly residents, amid the continued economic challenges since the pandemic. The event was rich with memorable moments, with guests enjoying signature soups in beautiful pottery bowls and each guest taking home a pottery bowl as a memento, a touching reminder of the shared goal to alleviate food insecurity in Greater Lawrence.
The generosity of attendees will go on to support several vital Neighbors in Need programs, including:
1DegreeOutside including Matt and Danielle Noyes, Neighbors in Need and all involved extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, including the incredible sponsors, volunteers, and attendees whose generosity made this year’s Soup’s On! an overwhelming success.
This year’s Soup’s On! was more than just a fundraiser — it was a community effort to stand in solidarity with neighbors in need. Thanks to every dollar raised and every hand that reached out, Lawrence families will receive essential support throughout the year. The future looks brighter thanks to each of you who made a difference, proving that together, we can turn compassion into meaningful action.
Inspired by the success of this event, 1DegreeOutside is honored to continue supporting Neighbors in Need and similar organizations that strengthen the New England community. To learn more about how you can get involved or support Neighbors in Need, visit their website at Neighbors in Need. Together, we can keep the spirit of Soup’s On alive year-round and make New England a place where everyone can thrive.